2nd Queen Fan Club Christmas Party with The Cross, Brian, & John — December 4th, 1988
by Mendousutera
This was a fan club Christmas party directly inspired by the "Crazy Hat" parties that Freddie loved so much. Thinking about it now, I can't help but wonder if this event was to give the other three a chance to play together again as well. Brian had also said at some point that he wanted to try playing in a 3-piece blues band as well, so perhaps this was in preparation for that? (But I mean, don't take my word for it.)
Running from 2 PM until midnight, the event was supposed to be all about Queen—themed games, quizzes, and dancing. But out of nowhere, word got out that The Cross would be the special guest. A few days before the party, a friend of mine happened to see Roger getting out of his car to make a payphone call in Hammersmith (he was a local that week, even though he was a star), and when asked if he was going to the party, he apparently said "I shouldn't think so". Hearing that, I knew for sure that he was going to be there. (But why did I know that?)
The condition for attending the party was to wear a crazy hat, so everyone wore a crazy hat like it was a costume ball, and I was impressed with the gumption of Queen fans—it felt like another convention! The first half of the event was as it was stated, but halfway through the dance, the stage began to be set up and I clung to it, expecting someone to come out soon. Even now, listening to the tape three-and-a-half years later gets me all excited, although it's bit late for that. The mood was good to begin with, but when The Cross was introduced people went crazy, and then a voice announced "ROGER TAYLOR, HERE WE GO!!" And then... in came an oddly-chubby Roger, dressed formally and sporting a beard. I can't say he looked great... my beauty had turned into a beast!! His playing was sloppy too, and Spike was absent, so the performance was utterly underwhelming. That said, Roger's band on a bad day is better than your average party band on a good day so I can't really complain. About 45 minutes later, amidst calls of "WE WANT QUEEN!", Brian showed up. No one was expecting this so the crowd immediately erupted, screaming like they were extras in a thriller flick. Brian began playing the guitar alone, but encouraged by the all-encompassing rock'n'roll atmosphere and the screaming, he said "I'm lonely up here, I need some company!" and called for Roger and then John! Everyone lost their minds at this point—here was 75% of Queen!! And I was right in the front row!!! John's legs were keeping the rhythm right in front of my very eyes! Roger got behind the drums and said, "Everyone remember this old chestnut?" The room yelled back "YEAAAH!" and they began a strange hard version of I'm in Love with My Car... (But the lyrics were a complete mess and the guitar sounded weird.) Afterward, it was a meandering blues session and although it wasn't bad, I was starting to feel pessimistic towards 75% Queen at that point. I can't say I didn't enjoy it, though.
A Santa-hatted Roger concluded the evening's activities with a "Merry Christmas, everybody~!" And it only cost me ¥3,500! The luxurious party that keeps on giving...
